Most major supermarkets launched self-serve checkouts in their stores for added convenience. However, one disgruntled dad begged to differ after having a ‘terrible’ experience with the feature at his local Coles store.

Sharing his frustration on Twitter, the Perth shopper said that he was disappointed to discover that no manned checkouts were open to customers as he was about to purchase a week’s worth of groceries which cost him just under $350.

This left the dad with no choice but to manually scan the trolley packed with items at a self-serve checkout while simultaneously trying to look after his child.

In his post, the shopper deemed his experience, which happened on the evening of July 18, ‘terrible’.

A self-serve checkout in Coles. Source: NBN News​

‘We just moved here. It’s our first shop for our new home,’ he wrote.

‘But there were no manned tills, so I asked why. I was told ‘not my idea’ and to scan $350 worth of groceries myself (with a child) while being laughed at.’

The customer included a picture of his grocery receipt, along with a handwritten note that read: ‘Tell Coles.’

In a separate tweet, he added: ‘If that’s how Coles treats new families, we won’t be back.’

Source: @monosylabik_​

Several users sided with the dad, slamming Coles after finding out about his horrible shopping experience.

'This is f***ed…' one user wrote.

‘There is only a small percentage of shoppers that are in favour of self-serve checkouts. The reason there is more demand for it is because you close all the manned counters and force people to use self-serve checkouts, which is horrible.’ the user continued.

'I also had this experience. As long as the store is open, there should always be at least one manned till!’ pointed out another.

A third sneered: ‘The next thing they'll be asking is for customers heading that way to take a mop and clean up the spill in aisle 5.’

The incident caught the attention of the supermarket giant, prompting a spokesperson to address the situation.

'At Coles we want every customer interaction with our team members to be safe, quick, and friendly,' the spokesperson said.

'In the past two years, Coles has seen a demand for self-checkout technologies accelerate. We are investing heavily into this service and are rolling out a range of new options to help customers check out more quickly, including our popular belted self-checkouts and packing benches.

'These are being installed nationally as part of our refurbishment program and were recently installed at our Warwick Grove store in WA.

Self-serve checkouts with belted lanes. Source: Yahoo! News NZ​

'The new format combines two experiences that customers are already familiar with – belted lanes where customers are served by team members and our existing self-checkouts.

'On the self-service trolley checkout, customers are able to scan their purchases more easily when they have a trolley or a bigger basket and pack their bags the way they like.

'Customers who would still like to be served on a traditional checkout can ask a team member to assist if they wish.’

The spokesperson went on to admit that the customer’s needs were not met in this particular case, saying: ‘In this instance, we acknowledge that we could’ve worked harder to ensure the customer had a better shopping experience and we will take this opportunity to speak to the store team members to ensure that they continue to support customers however they choose to shop.'

What are your thoughts on this shopper’s experience with self-serve checkouts? Are you in favour of the feature? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[elaine41]

Most major supermarkets launched self-serve checkouts in their stores for added convenience. However, one disgruntled dad begged to differ after having a ‘terrible’ experience with the feature at his local Coles store.

Sharing his frustration on Twitter, the Perth shopper said that he was disappointed to discover that no manned checkouts were open to customers as he was about to purchase a week’s worth of groceries which cost him just under $350.

This left the dad with no choice but to manually scan the trolley packed with items at a self-serve checkout while simultaneously trying to look after his child.

In his post, the shopper deemed his experience, which happened on the evening of July 18, ‘terrible’.

A self-serve checkout in Coles. Source: NBN News​

‘We just moved here. It’s our first shop for our new home,’ he wrote.

‘But there were no manned tills, so I asked why. I was told ‘not my idea’ and to scan $350 worth of groceries myself (with a child) while being laughed at.’

The customer included a picture of his grocery receipt, along with a handwritten note that read: ‘Tell Coles.’

In a separate tweet, he added: ‘If that’s how Coles treats new families, we won’t be back.’

Source: @monosylabik_​

Several users sided with the dad, slamming Coles after finding out about his horrible shopping experience.

'This is f***ed…' one user wrote.

‘There is only a small percentage of shoppers that are in favour of self-serve checkouts. The reason there is more demand for it is because you close all the manned counters and force people to use self-serve checkouts, which is horrible.’ the user continued.

'I also had this experience. As long as the store is open, there should always be at least one manned till!’ pointed out another.

A third sneered: ‘The next thing they'll be asking is for customers heading that way to take a mop and clean up the spill in aisle 5.’

The incident caught the attention of the supermarket giant, prompting a spokesperson to address the situation.

'At Coles we want every customer interaction with our team members to be safe, quick, and friendly,' the spokesperson said.

'In the past two years, Coles has seen a demand for self-checkout technologies accelerate. We are investing heavily into this service and are rolling out a range of new options to help customers check out more quickly, including our popular belted self-checkouts and packing benches.

'These are being installed nationally as part of our refurbishment program and were recently installed at our Warwick Grove store in WA.

Self-serve checkouts with belted lanes. Source: Yahoo! News NZ​

'The new format combines two experiences that customers are already familiar with – belted lanes where customers are served by team members and our existing self-checkouts.

'On the self-service trolley checkout, customers are able to scan their purchases more easily when they have a trolley or a bigger basket and pack their bags the way they like.

'Customers who would still like to be served on a traditional checkout can ask a team member to assist if they wish.’

The spokesperson went on to admit that the customer’s needs were not met in this particular case, saying: ‘In this instance, we acknowledge that we could’ve worked harder to ensure the customer had a better shopping experience and we will take this opportunity to speak to the store team members to ensure that they continue to support customers however they choose to shop.'

What are your thoughts on this shopper’s experience with self-serve checkouts? Are you in favour of the feature? Let us know in the comments below!

I do not get paid by the supermarket, therefore I will not use self checkouts. This denies someone a job. Big W Dubbo tried this on me during Covid & I just stood there until someone came to see what was wrong. They then put my items through the checkout.

 

[Thecheesequeen]

I refuse to use a self-service checkout. If they want my custom they need to offer proper service. I would have asked to speak to the manager.

 

[Raylougar]

I wouldn't say I liked it at first but now I prefer self-check-out. I shop at 6 am every Friday, Not many people in the store can get through quickly. One observation though I wonder if people go home with more items than they scanned.

 

[Werwolf2000]

Most major supermarkets launched self-serve checkouts in their stores for added convenience. However, one disgruntled dad begged to differ after having a ‘terrible’ experience with the feature at his local Coles store.

Sharing his frustration on Twitter, the Perth shopper said that he was disappointed to discover that no manned checkouts were open to customers as he was about to purchase a week’s worth of groceries which cost him just under $350.

This left the dad with no choice but to manually scan the trolley packed with items at a self-serve checkout while simultaneously trying to look after his child.

In his post, the shopper deemed his experience, which happened on the evening of July 18, ‘terrible’.

A self-serve checkout in Coles. Source: NBN News​

‘We just moved here. It’s our first shop for our new home,’ he wrote.

‘But there were no manned tills, so I asked why. I was told ‘not my idea’ and to scan $350 worth of groceries myself (with a child) while being laughed at.’

The customer included a picture of his grocery receipt, along with a handwritten note that read: ‘Tell Coles.’

In a separate tweet, he added: ‘If that’s how Coles treats new families, we won’t be back.’

Source: @monosylabik_​

Several users sided with the dad, slamming Coles after finding out about his horrible shopping experience.

'This is f***ed…' one user wrote.

‘There is only a small percentage of shoppers that are in favour of self-serve checkouts. The reason there is more demand for it is because you close all the manned counters and force people to use self-serve checkouts, which is horrible.’ the user continued.

'I also had this experience. As long as the store is open, there should always be at least one manned till!’ pointed out another.

A third sneered: ‘The next thing they'll be asking is for customers heading that way to take a mop and clean up the spill in aisle 5.’

The incident caught the attention of the supermarket giant, prompting a spokesperson to address the situation.

'At Coles we want every customer interaction with our team members to be safe, quick, and friendly,' the spokesperson said.

'In the past two years, Coles has seen a demand for self-checkout technologies accelerate. We are investing heavily into this service and are rolling out a range of new options to help customers check out more quickly, including our popular belted self-checkouts and packing benches.

'These are being installed nationally as part of our refurbishment program and were recently installed at our Warwick Grove store in WA.

Self-serve checkouts with belted lanes. Source: Yahoo! News NZ​

'The new format combines two experiences that customers are already familiar with – belted lanes where customers are served by team members and our existing self-checkouts.

'On the self-service trolley checkout, customers are able to scan their purchases more easily when they have a trolley or a bigger basket and pack their bags the way they like.

'Customers who would still like to be served on a traditional checkout can ask a team member to assist if they wish.’

The spokesperson went on to admit that the customer’s needs were not met in this particular case, saying: ‘In this instance, we acknowledge that we could’ve worked harder to ensure the customer had a better shopping experience and we will take this opportunity to speak to the store team members to ensure that they continue to support customers however they choose to shop.'

What are your thoughts on this shopper’s experience with self-serve checkouts? Are you in favour of the feature? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[Werwolf2000]

Simple solution, I will not use self checkouts, ever, have, and will again, leave a loaded trolley in the store and go elsewhere to shop, I do not work for the supermarket and they give me no discount for doing something that they should have paid staff doing, self checking your items is only contributing to the profits of foreign corporations.

 

[Pat T]

Most major supermarkets launched self-serve checkouts in their stores for added convenience. However, one disgruntled dad begged to differ after having a ‘terrible’ experience with the feature at his local Coles store.

Sharing his frustration on Twitter, the Perth shopper said that he was disappointed to discover that no manned checkouts were open to customers as he was about to purchase a week’s worth of groceries which cost him just under $350.

This left the dad with no choice but to manually scan the trolley packed with items at a self-serve checkout while simultaneously trying to look after his child.

In his post, the shopper deemed his experience, which happened on the evening of July 18, ‘terrible’.

A self-serve checkout in Coles. Source: NBN News​

‘We just moved here. It’s our first shop for our new home,’ he wrote.

‘But there were no manned tills, so I asked why. I was told ‘not my idea’ and to scan $350 worth of groceries myself (with a child) while being laughed at.’

The customer included a picture of his grocery receipt, along with a handwritten note that read: ‘Tell Coles.’

In a separate tweet, he added: ‘If that’s how Coles treats new families, we won’t be back.’

Source: @monosylabik_​

Several users sided with the dad, slamming Coles after finding out about his horrible shopping experience.

'This is f***ed…' one user wrote.

‘There is only a small percentage of shoppers that are in favour of self-serve checkouts. The reason there is more demand for it is because you close all the manned counters and force people to use self-serve checkouts, which is horrible.’ the user continued.

'I also had this experience. As long as the store is open, there should always be at least one manned till!’ pointed out another.

A third sneered: ‘The next thing they'll be asking is for customers heading that way to take a mop and clean up the spill in aisle 5.’

The incident caught the attention of the supermarket giant, prompting a spokesperson to address the situation.

'At Coles we want every customer interaction with our team members to be safe, quick, and friendly,' the spokesperson said.

'In the past two years, Coles has seen a demand for self-checkout technologies accelerate. We are investing heavily into this service and are rolling out a range of new options to help customers check out more quickly, including our popular belted self-checkouts and packing benches.

'These are being installed nationally as part of our refurbishment program and were recently installed at our Warwick Grove store in WA.

Self-serve checkouts with belted lanes. Source: Yahoo! News NZ​

'The new format combines two experiences that customers are already familiar with – belted lanes where customers are served by team members and our existing self-checkouts.

'On the self-service trolley checkout, customers are able to scan their purchases more easily when they have a trolley or a bigger basket and pack their bags the way they like.

'Customers who would still like to be served on a traditional checkout can ask a team member to assist if they wish.’

The spokesperson went on to admit that the customer’s needs were not met in this particular case, saying: ‘In this instance, we acknowledge that we could’ve worked harder to ensure the customer had a better shopping experience and we will take this opportunity to speak to the store team members to ensure that they continue to support customers however they choose to shop.'

What are your thoughts on this shopper’s experience with self-serve checkouts? Are you in favour of the feature? Let us know in the comments below!

Personally I would have left the trolley full of stuff and walked out.

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

Naaaah. I straight-up refuse to use self-checkout. In fact, I've gone one better; when there's been no checkout chick/chuck on station, I have on one prior occasion walked away from the trolley and out the door, to the competition.

The store wants to skimp on staff? See how quickly they reload the goods to the shelf, especially the frozen!

 

[chezna]

A

I do not get paid by the supermarket, therefore I will not use self checkouts. This denies someone a job. Big W Dubbo tried this on me during Covid & I just stood there until someone came to see what was wrong. They then put my items through the checkout.

ctually that’s a furphy saying it denies a person a job! They won’t employ anyone else! It would mean just a longer wait in the queue going thru a manned a checkout

 

[Kayer02]

I detest self serve checkouts. Would rather have a real person to have a chat to and if a problem arises then it is sorted then and there.. I don`t agree with their rubbish explanations that these checkouts don`t result in less staff . I have relatives that work there and staff numbers have been lowered since these checkouts have been implemented.

 

[Craftingnonna]

I refuse to use them, I would have told the person who said “ not my idea” “not my groceries” and walked out.
I know this father needed the groceries, but we the consumers must not allow supermarkets to dictate to us, after all it’s our money that pay the CEO’s their scandalous high wages.

 

[mybimpy]

Personally I would have left the trolley full of stuff and walked out.

Me too

 

[Capsam]

Lack of staff at checkouts is the norm nowadays. It is frustrating to spend 15 minutes waiting at the only manned checkout with half a dozen other people. If you are doing a large fortnightly shop, self service plus bag packing is not an option! I agree with others, I am not an employee & being in my 70’s, cannot move as fast as younger people can. You are setting me up to be abused by others who lack patience!

 

[Ronloby]

Will never, never use a self-service checkout! This is a money-saving scam of the supermarket, loss of staff and more people out of work. If they want me to shop at their supermarket then always have serviced check-outs.

 

[Imbi]

I will not use, self check out, as others have said I am not paid to do someone else's work. They take work away from Australians. Human checkout for me.

 

[goodmorning]

as I said before if I want to learn how to use a checkout I would have got a job there I like to have a chat to the people that work the checkouts ours are alway very nice and friendly and the very few times I have tried to use a self serve I stuff it up so I don't go there

 

[margaretritchie48]

Most major supermarkets launched self-serve checkouts in their stores for added convenience. However, one disgruntled dad begged to differ after having a ‘terrible’ experience with the feature at his local Coles store.

Sharing his frustration on Twitter, the Perth shopper said that he was disappointed to discover that no manned checkouts were open to customers as he was about to purchase a week’s worth of groceries which cost him just under $350.

This left the dad with no choice but to manually scan the trolley packed with items at a self-serve checkout while simultaneously trying to look after his child.

In his post, the shopper deemed his experience, which happened on the evening of July 18, ‘terrible’.

A self-serve checkout in Coles. Source: NBN News​

‘We just moved here. It’s our first shop for our new home,’ he wrote.

‘But there were no manned tills, so I asked why. I was told ‘not my idea’ and to scan $350 worth of groceries myself (with a child) while being laughed at.’

The customer included a picture of his grocery receipt, along with a handwritten note that read: ‘Tell Coles.’

In a separate tweet, he added: ‘If that’s how Coles treats new families, we won’t be back.’

Source: @monosylabik_​

Several users sided with the dad, slamming Coles after finding out about his horrible shopping experience.

'This is f***ed…' one user wrote.

‘There is only a small percentage of shoppers that are in favour of self-serve checkouts. The reason there is more demand for it is because you close all the manned counters and force people to use self-serve checkouts, which is horrible.’ the user continued.

'I also had this experience. As long as the store is open, there should always be at least one manned till!’ pointed out another.

A third sneered: ‘The next thing they'll be asking is for customers heading that way to take a mop and clean up the spill in aisle 5.’

The incident caught the attention of the supermarket giant, prompting a spokesperson to address the situation.

'At Coles we want every customer interaction with our team members to be safe, quick, and friendly,' the spokesperson said.

'In the past two years, Coles has seen a demand for self-checkout technologies accelerate. We are investing heavily into this service and are rolling out a range of new options to help customers check out more quickly, including our popular belted self-checkouts and packing benches.

'These are being installed nationally as part of our refurbishment program and were recently installed at our Warwick Grove store in WA.

Self-serve checkouts with belted lanes. Source: Yahoo! News NZ​

'The new format combines two experiences that customers are already familiar with – belted lanes where customers are served by team members and our existing self-checkouts.

'On the self-service trolley checkout, customers are able to scan their purchases more easily when they have a trolley or a bigger basket and pack their bags the way they like.

'Customers who would still like to be served on a traditional checkout can ask a team member to assist if they wish.’

The spokesperson went on to admit that the customer’s needs were not met in this particular case, saying: ‘In this instance, we acknowledge that we could’ve worked harder to ensure the customer had a better shopping experience and we will take this opportunity to speak to the store team members to ensure that they continue to support customers however they choose to shop.'

What are your thoughts on this shopper’s experience with self-serve checkouts? Are you in favour of the feature? Let us know in the comments below!

Self service does not work for older people as well as parents with children. Need more aisles with 15 items or less.

 

[Sloopy]

Fairly sure that the so-called acceleration of demand for self-checkouts is just that they are used more often these days due to lack of staffed checkouts, not customer preference.
More than once I have walked out of a store leaving a trolley full of goods at the checkout area because there were no staffed checkouts. Although this particular article is about Coles, I have found that Woollies are more reluctant to assist.

 

[philg]

Fairly sure that the so-called acceleration of demand for self-checkouts is just that they are used more often these days due to lack of staffed checkouts, not customer preference.
More than once I have walked out of a store leaving a trolley full of goods at the checkout area because there were no staffed checkouts. Although this particular article is about Coles, I have found that Woollies are more reluctant to assist.

here here this is true i am not a ROBOT so i refuse to use a ROBOT machine ......i was given a mouth and a voice to talk to people so by using a self serve machine then i am being denied the right to speak to the staff at a normal checkout ......

 

[Barbara Philbrick]

I do not get paid by the supermarket, therefore I will not use self checkouts. This denies someone a job. Big W Dubbo tried this on me during Covid & I just stood there until someone came to see what was wrong. They then put my items through the checkout.